Sword & Shield Beta

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Chana sits on the chair underneath the Captain's Pavilion. She can't help but hope that this meeting will explain their new, shiny, running horses that are fantastically used to being around a war. They have been remarkably calm, and Chana is grateful, but suspicious. Her horse is beautiful and solid--very fast. She's tested him on several occasions.

Still..why did they have the entire Unit of Altair train for riding horses? And who were these two, new, tough battlemages that have shown up a few hours earlier with horses of their own, with reassignment papers? Horses this trained and groomed are not common, as well as expensive....so what the hell is going on?

It's a bright day, early morning as the sun is just rising over the tree tops of the forest, making the dark place look beautiful, despite its depressing purpose in this region. The grass is green and alive here, thankfully, on this side of the wall. The trees of the forest are starting to look pretty bad...

At least she's used to being outside, now. Several buildings around the wall's fortification are still being built, so they've had to camp here for the past month as they hold the Kurian's to the forest. Luckily, no Earth Kurian's have shown up, or she'd probably have hated sleeping on the ground. She can still hear the sounds of fighting on the other side of the wall...so much screaming and clashing metal upon metal. A Kurian's roar shakes the pavilon's tent, bringing her attention back to the current situation, where she is left wondering why she is up here, instead of out there, fighting with the other units.

Her head jerks to the side as the two new members that showed up in the night sit at the meeting table. The pavilion sways to the side as the wind swishes through, blowing her hair to the side just as she stares at the strangers with interest. They look noble, to say the least. Great. The Guys'll love having newbies. Though....they sure as hell don't look like newbs.

Sarah follows Chana and Demitri as they move to get food. She fills her tray with various vegetables only refraining from meat altogether. She seems content with the meal as she sits down with the three happily, a pleasant smile on her face, still. It seems that she smiles a lot.

"Captain..." Chana says, "Is there not any way that we can have those two specialists reassigned? I mean...without getting them into trouble, of course. Politely, I mean?"

She looks over at him hopefully, but also takes a bite of asparagus, promptly shoving three stalks of them into her mouth at once and crunching so loudly that Sarah wonders if she can even hear the Captain's response with such noise.

Regulus took his seat with the others, sitting next to Sarah. He began to cut into his steak as he listened to Chana's question. He started to respond, but then Chana started chewing on some asparagus very loudly. He paused for a moment, and then went on.

"That's a good question. I can't think of any instances where it's happened in the past, but I'm sure it's happened at some point. I can probably try talking to my superiors about it," he replied. "Why? Do you not want to carry out our mission?"

He didn't know what his father would think of him if he requested the Kurian specialists be assigned elsewhere. As much as he didn't like the pair, he didn't like to think about his father calling him a coward or a failure even more.

Chana shrugs, but her face scrunches up in distaste for a moment, almost as if she doesn't like the asparagus after all. She then looks at him directly, exhaling loudly before speaking.

"Frankly, Captain," Chana replies, "I don't like them and I don't think this mission is...for us. I mean...sure, we can ride like hell when shit hits the fan, but...we've never had the orders to try to keep Kurian from their own kind. Every single Commander we've ever had--they've always said it isn't worth it. So many people die from that, Captain...I just don't think our tiny-ass Unit should have to that alone. Especially not with--"

Chana cuts off, almost calling them block-heads. However, she stops herself knowing that such words, even towards someone of equal rank, can get you in trouble. Generally, The Captain is much nicer and more forgiving about such rules, but they are in the kitchens and anyone could hear.

"Especially not with people who treat us like garbage." Chana finishes finally.

Demitri followed the conversation between Chana and Regulus as he chewed on a piece of his bread. He had to admit, he didn't want the two specialists around either, but there was no questioning the one who gave the order. He did find it weird that Chana showed an expression of dislike for the asparagus after ordering them from the kitchen. Maybe the asparagus wasn't prepared properly.

"Are you sure we can just drop a mission like that?" Demitri asked Chana. "As much as I don't like the way things are going, we were given this mission for a reason." He looked to Chana with earnest eyes and then looked to Regulus, looking for some kind of answer.

Regulus sighed and rubbed his temples. He was more inclined to leave things as they were, since it was an order; as Demitri had said they were given that mission for a reason. Regulus figured his father had probably had a hand in it. However, he couldn't just ignore how Chana felt either.

"I agree with Demitri. You have to remember that we're mere soldiers and have to do as we're told, even if we don't like the orders or the people involved. However, I can put in a word about how these Kurian specialists did nothing during the fight against the Kurians, even though I ordered everyone to attack.

I know, we could easily end up killed trying to do this mission. But we're soldiers and this is what we signed up for. My father always told me to be ready for death, because it could happen any day."

Isadore easily caught Mihael's staff with his glaive and pushed him back, shaking his head. "You never train your strength at all," he said as he flipped his glaive to use the blunt side. He then leapt toward his brother, swinging the weapon.

Mihael shook his head. "No, I don't really... but I train the important stuff!" As if to prove his point he nimbly leapt to the side, successfully avoiding Isadore's attack. "Heh, you're such a slowpoke!" he teased cheerfully, holding his staff in front of him in a defensive position.

Isadore narrowed his eyes at his brother. "The 'important stuff'? You need to have the strength to hold your own in battle, not just be able to run away." He swung at Mihael again, this time with more effort.

Mihael bit his lip. "Well... that's true but... Reggie's always with me and he has strength. I'm mostly just here to support him, right?" At least, that was how it seemed to Mihael. Regulus and the others were far more useful in battle than he would ever be; he wasn't strong or brave like them.

Distracted by that train of thought, Mihael only snapped back to reality when he felt Isadore's glaive strike him in the side. "Oww..." He glanced at Isadore. "That was a great hit, Isa." At least, it felt like it was great enough to leave a bruise.

Satisfied that his attack had connected, Isadore took a step back from Mihael. He folded his arms. "The captain has no use for a partner who doesn't pay attention when he's being attacked," he said. It was annoying that someone as useless as Mihael had the privilege of being the Ayudar partner of the unit's captain. "All right, attack me again." Isadore prepared for another easy block.

By now, Mihael had learned to let most of the harsh things Isadore said to him roll off his back, but his brother saying that Regulus had no use for him stung a bit. That fact was written all over his face. "Y-yeah... I know that. I usually pay attention--" He braced himself to attack Isadore, determined to impress his brother this time. He charged at him, darting slightly to the side as he swung his staff.

Isadore waited for the attack, not feeling overly concerned. He figured Mihael would be too unfocused to perform a good attack. However, his brother suddenly made a quick movement and Isadore wasn't prepared for it. He attempted to block with his glaive, but was too slow and the staff struck him in the side. It didn't hurt very much, but Isadore couldn't believe that the kid who was horrible at melee fighting actually hit him. "What... what was that supposed to be?" he snapped. "That wasn't a decent attack." Isadore ran his fingers through his hair a few times. He couldn't understand how he had allowed this to happen.

As soon as it was apparent that he didn't actually hurt his brother, Mihael beamed. He was pleasantly surprised that he'd successfully hit Isadore; the guy was excellent in battle. His face fell when Isadore snapped at him; he didn't understand how it wasn't a decent attack. "What do you mean...?" he asked, confused. "I mean, I hit you-"

Takato had happened upon the training session by now. He couldn't help but shake his head; Isadore couldn't handle anything not going as he'd intended and it appeared that training was no exception. He leaned against a tree with his arms folded across his chest, watching the brothers train.

Isadore shook his head. He noticed movement at the edge of his vision and turned slightly to see his partner leaning against a tree, apparently intending to watch. Isadore lowered his weapon and turned to face his brother. "Listen, you need to learn to fight properly or you'll only end up endangering somebody else, most likely Regulus."

With that, Isadore began to walk away, though he didn't go far. As much as he needed stress relief, he didn't want to put up with Takato's commentary during the training. He smoothed his clothes and sighed, thinking about how horribly late he had arrived at the meeting earlier. It was careless, and he wondered if his superiors saw carelessness in him and consequently didn't choose him to be captain.

"What?" Mihael's eyes widened at that. "Isa, what do you mean...? What did I do wrong?" Isadore walked off then. It was doubtful that he'd even heard Mihael's questions. Mihael didn't understand at all; he thought he'd done well, but it seemed that his technique was horrible to the point of possibly endangering Regulus. That was the last thing he wanted; Mihael thought the world of his partner and would do anything to keep him safe. He was concerned about this so he decided he'd have to talk to his bondmate after Regulus was finished eating. He approached the kitchens and sat on a nearby bench, waiting a bit anxiously for Regulus to come out.

Takato sighed at the dissolution of the training session; so much for that source of amusement. He frowned at what Isadore said to Mihael; Takato couldn't see anything wrong with the kid's technique. It seemed to him that Isadore's pride had been wounded by Mihael landing a hit. He walked over to his partner. "Somehow I'm not surprised that you'd be up for training after a big fight," he said with a bit of a grin. "What's your deal, though? You know as well as I do that there was nothing wrong with Mihael's technique, though he could stand to hit a bit harder. I don't think the captain'll like it much if you go around rattling his partner's confidence like that. Just saying."

[ATTN: Demitri, Regulus]

Chana sighs, though it is with understanding. She looks over at Sarah, whom has already scarfed her entire tray of food. Her eyes widen with surprise, and she doubles over with laughter as Sarah's cheeks turn a bright red. She looks down at her empty tray as her fingers begin to twist around each other with shyness.

"Holy crap, woman!" Chana says teasingly, "That's how you eat! Did you remember to breathe while you were inhaling that food there?"

She laughs a little more as Sarah soundlessly laughs, too, albeit she is a little embarrassed. However, she sticks her tongue outwards at Chana and crosses her arms to show a little defiance. Chana giggles at this last, shaking her head with delight. Then, her face lengthens as something occurs to her. She grins mischievously.

"Captain." She says, her tone matching her grin, "Why don't we request different specialists? I know there has to be more than two!"


[ATTN: Mihael, Isadore]

As Isadore stands there from the end of his practice, a small, short messenger, carrying several letters, moves up towards him with a rather hastened pace as he looks at him and asks blandly: "Castellanos?"

He barely waits for a reply before handing him a small, white envelope with four names written neatly on the top, all in a lovely cursive handwriting. The ink is purple, the envelop pristine. The man runs off onto other deliveries, surely with just as much priority for the short man with little time to get it all done.

Mihael Castellanos
Captain Thuban
Takato Jacobien
Isadore Castellanos

Regulus smiled as Chana and Sarah laughed together. He was glad to see them starting to get along now. If Sarah was going to be staying with them for any amount of time, it would be easier if the two could get along.

He then raised an eyebrow at Chana's idea. "You know... I might just be able to make that work. Good thinking!"

The Captain's words were deep and grave, but he had a point. Demitri continued to feast on his meal, waiting for Chana's response. She sighed, but Demitri could tell she got the point. He kinda felt bad for causing it, but to him, orders are orders. He soon felt better when Chana shared a laugh with Sarah. He grinned along with the two, surprised that the little girl could finish a meal so quickly.

It was then that Chana made her suggestion to Regulus about getting different specialists. Demitri thought the idea to be excellent. "I, for one, second Chana's idea, Captain." Demitri said in a somewhat sophisticated tone.

Isadore knew Takato wouldn't just leave him alone. He turned toward his partner when he came near, but didn't really look at him. He knew that everything Takato said was true, but he didn't like it. It was a bit stressful to think about Regulus' reaction when he inevitably discovered what Isadore had said to Mihael. It seemed he really was careless after all. "...Just concern yourself with your own business. There's no need to pry into mine," he replied, not in an overly rude tone.

It was then that the messenger approached and handed Isadore the letter before leaving just as suddenly as he had arrived. Isadore read the names on it with a puzzled expression. "It's addressed to you and I, but also to the captain and Mihael. Perhaps it would be best to take it to Regulus?"

Chana puffs up her chest with false narcissism and pride as she raises her chin with a cocky attitude after she winks at Demitri. "Oh, I know. I'm just good like that, as always...ever the pure genius!"

She laughs a little as the false attitude goes away, followed with her taking Sarah's empty tray and her own and carrying them away back into the back of the kitchens where they belong so that they can be washed.

She returns shortly, but remains standing, rather than sitting, as she waits for the others to finish up. She pulls out a pouch from her hip, releasing a brush and handing it to Sarah. The girl looks at it with confusion, so she takes it back and pulls Sarah away from the table before brushing through her hair to pull out the knots.

"So....you guys ready to get outta here? We'll have wall duty again at some point and I'd really like to go ahead and get some training done beforehand." Chana says.

Demitri laughed a bit as Chana made her statement. That's my Chana... He thought happily. He finished up his meal while Chana took hers and Sarah's tray to get them washed. He took the last few bites out of his bread and took his time finishing the meat. The food was just good enough for Demitri to enjoy it, as usual. And he was content enough with that.

After Chana's return, the bondmate was ready to leave. Demitri was still chewing on the last bite of his food. He raised a finger, signing for an extra minute. After he swallowed the last bite, Demitri licked his lips and picked up his empty tray.

"I'll be ready as soon as I drop this tray." After that, Demitri walked off with tray in hand and momentarily returned, his hands on the back of his head and in a relaxed stance.

Regulus chuckled at Chana's little display, then set about finishing his food. His mind wandered through the various things that had happened today; it had most certainly been eventful. He absentmindedly chewed on the last piece until he noticed that Chana and Demitri were getting ready to go.

"Oh, yes, Demitri, I'd like your report before you guys head off," he said. He got up and disposed of his tray, then returned and looked at Demitri expectantly.

"Alright, then." Demitri said when Regulus returned. He thought for a moment, recalling what Sarah had told him earlier.

"First of all, Sarah was a part of a hunting party that got attacked by the Kurian. She was sleep until one picked her up. We don't know why the Kurian kept her alive for so long, but she was unconscious for most of the trip. She woke up when Chana switched places with her. None of Sarah's hunting party survived the attack, or so she says. That's all for now, but I could try asking for more information another time."

Demitri looked down at Sarah, wondering how she would react to being asked more questions. He didn't want to force the answers out of the little girl.

Regulus nodded as Demitri spoke. What the other man had learned from Sarah answered some questions, but it also brought up new ones. Why had the Kurian kept her alive like that? Sarah probably didn't either, so no amount of questioning could answer that one. However, he did wonder where her and her hunting party had come from.

"All right, thanks. I definitely have more questions, so we'll see what we can get out of her later," Regulus said. He then turned to Chana. "I would like to talk to you sometime as well, but if you want go do some training it can wait. I'll see you all later. Sarah, you should come with me."

With that, he left the kitchens. When he stepped out, he immediately noticed his bondmate sitting on a nearby bench. He approached Mihael and noticed he looked a little upset.

"Mihael? What's wrong?" he asked.

Mihael leapt up when he heard Regulus' voice. "Reggie... um, I've been thinking. Am I useful to you?" He gazed at his bondmate imploringly. "I try my best, but..." He bit his lip before blurting everything that was on his mind. "When I was training with Isa he said that I'm no use to you and I'm really bad at fighting and if I don't learn how to do it properly I'll put you in danger. I really don't want to do that."

Takato snickered at Isadore's response. It was so typical of his partner. A courier then handed Isadore a letter. Takato peered at it curiously. "Yeah... we probably should. Hopefully he's still at the kitchen. I have a feeling you're not gonna let us sneak a peek without his permission, so let's hurry and find him."